Sierra Madre Villages and Old Town

Go off the beaten path with this visit to the villages of Malpica, Villa Union and the colonial town of Concordia, all nestled in the panoramic Sierra Madre Mountains. Return to Mazatlan and immerse yourself in the historic Old Town.

The Spanish name Sierra Madre means "mother mountains" in English and this major mountain range system of the North American Cordillera runs northwest - southeast through northwestern and western Mexico and along the Gulf of California. Visiting these quaint colorful villages will give you a glimpse into the daily life of the locals where you can observe natives carve wooden furniture by hand, make pottery, clay roof tiles and delicious pastries.

Your first stop will be at a rustic brick factory where bricks are to this day made by hand. This location is on the banks of the Presidio River just outside of the village of Villa Union. Continuing through the town of Villa Union and to the east you will stop in Malpica, a small community where two friendly families started their home businesses. One, a rustic oven bakery and the other a handmade artistic floor tile shop using a tile press that is over 100 years old and handed down through his family for generations.

Make your way next to the town of Concordia, founded in 1565 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Ibarra, who was the pioneer of the mining industry in the state of Sinaloa. This village is strategically settled near the silver and gold mining sites and is a very industrious town. The residents make their daily living working in furniture factories and potteries. Beautiful colonial architecture can be admired here, the most emblematic buildings are the San Sebastian pink stone temple, the French style city hall and the main plaza with a huge rocking chair.

After enjoying the scenic countryside in the Sierra Madre Mountains, return to Mazatlan to explore the historic Old Mazatlan where you will have the opportunity to leisurely stroll each area and to get a feel of the city. You will certainly love Mazatlan as it is a destination that contains the architectural richness of its historic downtown with details and finishes of neoclassical and French Baroque, which provide it with a unique beauty among Mexican tourist destinations. Points of interest include lookout hill where you will be amazed by the views of the city and the highest natural lighthouse "El Creston" You don't want to miss the chance to view the famous cliff divers and watch the brave divers plunge into a mere 8 feet of water from 45 feet above the water.

Travel next through time while going from the Historical Center with its narrow streets and quaint plaza to the center of downtown Mazatlan where you will find the Cathedral and main plaza. Take your time here to enjoy the beauty of the "Immaculate Conception" church and maybe do some shopping at the central market, located only one block from the cathedral.